The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a heightened surveillance drive along the vulnerable stretches of the Mula-Mutha river in the Yerawada-Nagar Road zone. This decisive action aims to put a complete stop to the illegal disposal of construction debris and solid waste that has been plaguing the riverbed and open areas.
Inspection Spurs Immediate Action
The move follows a detailed inspection conducted by civic commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on Monday. During his visit, he assessed the condition of roads, garbage collection points, and the river bed itself. The issue of rampant illegal dumping was a primary focus of the discussion that ensued.
Rajesh Gurram, who heads the Yerawada-Kalas ward office, confirmed the new measures. He stated that dedicated teams have been instructed to operate in two shifts to maintain constant vigilance at identified hotspots. "Our teams are currently gathering specific details about recent incidents of unlawful dumping. Based on the evidence collected, strict action will be initiated against the offenders," Gurram explained.
Residents and Leaders Voice Concerns
Local citizens have long been demanding stricter enforcement. They urge the administration to track and penalize the vehicles used for dumping construction material, particularly in open spaces and along the sensitive river ecosystem.
"While it is crucial for the PMC to enhance the regular upkeep of public services, the rampant illegal dumping near the river and in open plots is alarming. We appreciate that the administration is now formulating concrete plans to tackle this problem," said Sandip Landge, a resident of the Yerawada-Shantinagar locality.
Echoing these sentiments, former corporator Siddharth Dhende highlighted that multiple grievances were presented during the civic chief's tour. "Residents expressed serious concerns about irregularities in household waste management, the dumping of construction debris, and the burning of garbage. There is a strong collective demand for improved overall cleanliness in public spaces and proper road sweeping," Dhende noted.
A Multi-Pronged Clean-Up Strategy
Beyond river vigilance, the administration is implementing a broader strategy to enhance civic amenities. Gurram shared that the PMC is working on eliminating some feeder points to prevent waste from accumulating in public places.
Furthermore, to decongest traffic, a coordinated drive will be launched to remove obstacles around the Ambedkar Chowk in Yerawada. This initiative, a joint effort between the local ward office and the road department, includes plans to relocate public toilets that are currently causing bottlenecks.
The PMC's intensified efforts signal a committed push to safeguard the Mula-Mutha river from further degradation and to restore cleanliness to the Yerawada-Nagar Road area, addressing the core concerns of its residents.
